school board meeting

Hi -

~ I haven't been at school board meetings lately, so I apologize for the lack of updates.
From what I have read in the papers and heard, the building projects have been being discussed and tonight there was a presentation made by Crabtree Rohrbach that showed (alot but in a nutshell) this .....
RENOVATING ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Dalmatia alone is going to cost 4.3 - 6.6 million (I dont think the lower estimates include air-conditioning)
Leck Kill 1.8 - 2.6 million (architects cautioned against this due to the parking lot not actually belonging to school)
Trevorton 6.1 -10.8 million (not sure exactly how the water problem will be addressed ? details to be discussed later)
Adding addition to the high school
6.4 - 7.1 million (Note that the presentation was for grades 7 - 12 however going to an actual middle school concept was discussed 6 - 8 and 9 - 12 to avoid intermingling of students but I'm not sure that the plans shown - will actually do that for there will still be many combined areas as it is now ...)
so the entire project will end up costing roughly 20 million.
We actually pretty much knew this from their presentation back in the fall - its on line with all of that and you can see it in more detail at: http://www.linemountain.com/board/buildingproj/feasibilitystudy.html

~ There was much discussion amongst board members and input from the public was given.
~ Opinion was sought by one board member of our administrators -both our soon to be former Superintendent Sodrick and soon to be Superintendent Campbell ... stated in a nutshell that it will be very costly to proceed with the project. It is not just with the building project but costs moving forward.
Also - the architects in their professional opinion stated a combined elementary school for grades k4 - 6 and doing the high school for grade 7 - 12 makes the most fiscal sense. What they have seen in other schools across the state is an increase (not just in the up front building costs) but ongoing operating costs of administrators, guidance counselors, properly trained staff for middle school concept, how it is staffed makes a difference in the success, not that it wont necessarily be successful if we don't do it like that but ...

Having said that ...
a motion was made to ... NOT MOVE FORWARD WITH A MIDDLE SCHOOL ...
(again there was more discussion ... you can probably read about that in the paper the News Item I know was present ...)
Voted to pass the motion = Erdman, Kauffman, Blasius, Laudenslager
Voted to not pass the motion = Keim, Roach, Sample, Buddock
4-4 = Tie means motion fails ...
they are authorizing the architects to proceed with the expansion at the high school level!

Having done that ...
discussion was made on the benefits and cost analysis of a new elementary school - revisiting this concept the architects pointed out that it would cost around 17 million for new state of the art facility ( as opposed to the renovation of all three schools coming in at around the same, see above) - - - (no that does not include land but it did include some for site development) --- oh and there was also discussion as to why we were even talking about it since it was voted on at the December meeting ...

(& I must say, I am trying not to quote anyone else in this email - some people I very much agreed with and others I cannot understand, hard as I try , where they are coming from ... I mean I see where they are coming from but district wide I do not agree these decisions are in the best interest of everyone living here and especially the students of all grades in the district --- ) but I will say that I had to say this: I think it is OK to revisit an issue. It may have been voted on at the December meeting but after 6 months of research we are finding out more on the costs and implications of the decisions of that meeting - I said it is ok to not plow ahead into something that we may regret later if it doesn't make sence fiscally. If all of this money is being spent on building and additions and renovations - I don't know how there will be money left moving forward in the many years to come for teachers and text books ....I just have to stress this point because I truly feel our district is at a major crossroads here .... & board members have said how prior boards have made mystakes, we dont have to repeat those same mystakes here we have a chance to make the right decision for all involved ) ---- well ...

anyway A MOTION WAS MADE TO COMBINE THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS INTO ONE CENTRAL SCHOOL ...
Voted to pass motion = Kauffman, Erdman, Laudenslager
Voted to not pass motion = Keim, Roach, Sample, Blasius, Buddock
5 -3 = motion fails ...
they are authorizing architects to proceed with fixing up all three of the elementary schools !

so now - the architects will proceed with drawings for the high school and all three elementary schools and this is what the time frame is looking something like this, at this point:
Design phase June - August 2007
Design Development Phase August through Dec 2007
Construction Document Phase Sept - Dec 2007
Bidding Phase Jan & Feb 2008
Construction Phase 2008 - 2009
which means we start paying the architects within this next years budget for all of these decisions ... I think I heard the figure of a million dollars (?) there- but I am not sure if I heard that right (my mind was spinning because I kept thinking about all the people that came out to speak at the town meetings and while some were for a combined elementary and some were for rennovating the elementaries, I just didnt hear anyone come out about the middle school and yet ... here we are ...) ----

which brings me to the last interesting point of this email ...
the 2007-2008 general fund budget was set to be passed tonight but there was a blank of the # of mils and rate of money --- that led into major discussions too - largely in part of what I outlined above -
from what I understand this year the state is allowing an increase of 5.467 - and in trying to decide whether to increase to that - many did not want to agree until the decision was made about the projects. . .
After having attended this meeting, I do not have the energy to even get into reiterating THAT conversation but I will say this ... at the next board meeting - the budget will be passed at which point we will know the mil increase.
I don't want to see our taxes go up --- but they will regardless of the building project - so what I am very concerned about is how much they will now that the two motions above failed and what the money will be spent on.
I also want to point out there was much discussion about our fund balance- a certain amount necessary for operating expenses ... should it be there, shouldn't it be there, how much can we tap into it, should we tap into it - how long it has been there - balancing financial philosophies - for one time expenses for ongoing expenses- etc. etc. --- I also did point out to the board when it was time for public comment that I remember last year there being discussions about which programs we could cut (one suggested and implemented was K-4 gone - another suggested was the entire ag program - another option was to make kids pay to play sports, tickets for sporting events went up - etc. I emailed you guys in the past on that ) --- if the budget COULD have been tweaked any more for more income, then why wasnt it this past year ? - and how can we possibly next year? What is coming down the pike?

so anyway ...
I took the time to tpye this as I just felt as a taxpayer you might want to be aware of it.
Also if you are a parent, what is projected to be done to the buildings..... (and more importantly after that, what is left for teachers and textbooks and other things needed?) So there you have my analysis of the meeting. It is just the way I saw it - take it for what it is worth.
If you want to see for yourself ... The next meeting is:
Tuesday June 26th 2007 6:30 Jr/ Sr high school.

If you have something to say about any of this, it would be wise to attend.
Even if you just want to go to see how many mils taxes are going to go up - that should be decided then for the budget for 2007-2008 needs approved.


Sincerely,
Lauren Hackenburg
LHIR@comcast.net

school board

HI!I was recently contacted by someone regarding our existing school board -regarding election time.I thought I would email to all of you clarification as to how the LM School Districts Regions are divided and as well I have added below about which terms are up. I do not know which current board members are re-running and which are not but have verified the spots that are up for re-election. Please note that if you or someone you know wants to have their name on the ballot for Fall, the petition must be ciruclated now. I think they are due by or in March. Please advise if you are interested in running or know someone who is. I know a few people that will help circulate the petitions in the various regions....
There are many tough decisions at hand currently - and it is a hard job. However it is an important job in the sence that every decision made affects the education of Line Mountain as well as anyone living in this districts lifestyle by way of taxes. If you are not happy with some of the decisions that have been made in 2006 - 2007 could very well be the year of change if you give this email more than a passing thought. This is the breakdown of regions: Region 1 = Lower Augusta, Herndon Boro, LIttle Mahanoy, Washington, Upper Mahanoy
Region II =
Jordon, Jackson, Lower Mahanoy

Region III = West Cameron, Zerbe
5 spots up for re-election / new ...
Region 1 --- Dave Keim
Region II --- Troy Laudenslager and Karen Roach
Region III --- Chuck Sample and Jeff Lagerman

SO if you feel called to make a difference in the district, there is an opportunity in every township .....
Lauren Hackenburg, LHIR@comcast.net

school board voted

-2night the school board voted to ...
~ Add a ms wing to the hs --- cost to be determined (but professionally estimated at around 12 million dollars)
8-1 (Laudenslager the only one who opposed this motion) ---
~ Renovate the elem schools --- cost to be determined (but professionally estimated anywhere between 9 for bare bones & 22 million $)
6-3 (Laudenslager, Kauffman, Erdman the three who opposed this motion) --- -The board has also decided to create a curriculum committee amongst themselves.
This may or may not be in agreement with an already established curriculum council consisting of admin, teachers, parents and board members.
Those were the highlights tonight. Get ready for taxes to go up some more.

Lauren Hackenburg
LHIR@comcast.net

board meeting Nov 28th

OK .... Im sure many of you are looking for this one so here goes- the update from tonight’s board meeting at Leck Kill ...

*** Action items- see agenda on the web site - everything passed without much discussion and met with no conflict.

*** There was a presentation made by Jamie Doyle of CFM (financial consultant to our district) Discussion from tonight from the board on the building project.
Math is not my strong point so am not even going to try and reiterate the wonderful job she did. I would surely do an injustice to it. Basically the jest of it was there are various ways to get various things- depending on the type of bond that is taken and etc. - Once she knows more of which project we are going with and a time frame - she could more accurately provide estimates as to the financial impact. Meanwhile it was a great overview and if you are numbers person you would have loved it!
I will say these points that stuck out in my mind, for whatever they are worth are as follows:
* with one type you can actually have a lower mils (something I know we all want) but the downside is, we will pay more interest -
* 3 1/2 mils could be saved annually by building new vs renovating old -
* ACT 1 law seriously affects debt and school districts in general, all over the place - our board had the foresight to go out and incur debt before passing of that law so can get premium bonds-grandfathering them in .....
* It is legal and feasible to take on a 20 - 30 mil debt - and her job is to show various options of how to do so - explained several different strategies and will be happy to come back at a later date to go over in more detail once known which way board opts to go ....
* Plancon reimbursement is on rated pupil capacity by building ---- SO if we borrow to renovate our elementary schools now, we cannot to it again for twenty years (Well there is an exception but then you have to pay back reimbursement, so ... not appealing) ...
* we are lucky as a district to have her - the architect complimented her in that this was the best presentation he has seen (and obviously they see a lot of them at school board meetings) -

RE Building discussions ... NOW THIS IS GOING TO BE A LOT OF PARAPHRASE SO I MAY NOT GET EVERYTHING JUST PERFECT BUT IM TRYING .... Keep in mind this is how I heard it .....
well first off not all members were present so –
Laudenslager questioned how much discussion should we have- -said something like ---- seems all four of you are in favor of a middle school concept and renovations on elementary schools (meaning those present of Keim, Sample, Blasius, Roach)???---- & those that couldn’t be here tonight - passing along that well Lagerman said cant really do anything but fix the three, Buddock definitely wants a middle school concept back and to renovate the elementary schools but taxes are a concern to him which he (Troy) would like to debate * Erdman is also strongly for a middle school but would like a new elementary concept * Kauffman wants a new school - possibly K through 5 or 6 - not really sure though - may require renovations so are we at 2 & 2 or where are we ??? to which: Keim --- So are we still targeting a vote in December or is the middle school - seems done deal but elementary remains seen or --- ? Roach - something about splitting the money- let’s do middle school now and take time to design and construct that right - and decide on elementary later-
to which CFM Would not recommend doing separately
to which architects said really once board makes decision on direction, generally than it is in the administrations hands to work with them about what is needed and etc. - then they are done - so there would not be much time commitment needed from the board- their time is up until the decision point and etc. -
to which Roach questioned the # of rooms needed at the jr sr / middle - high school - and that went back and forth for awhile – until …
Laudenslager asked for time frame –
Architects advised it is a 10-12 month process at the mercy of the states schedule and really what is required of the board its all in the study – as far as rooms required --- what goes in those rooms is where the administration typically gets involved and works with the architects.
Laudenslager stated that we know something needs done at the elementary school level and to prolong 10 months after another 6 months have passed – what would be the sense in that?
Architects emphasized again you want to proceed simultaneously – design and build simultaneously due to possibly saving when putting out to bid and that as far as grade realignment goes must work together with the administration and proceed in a time frame that is wise for all involved-
? = December 12 meeting maybe vote? Maybe not …
Sample then suggested we fix the high school first then renovate the elementary schools – what was the outcome of the town meetings since not all board members were not at all of them …
Laudenslager said all three meetings one thing was clear that tax increase was desired to be kept at a minimum … & that from the property committee meetings a year ago the entire project was driven by needing space at the elementary school levels.
& He then went on to say at this point he would not be in favor of voting on a middle school concept due to the fact that operationally as a district does not know we can afford it – does anyone have any idea how we can? Asked for figures on what would be needed from a salary standpoint - Donna Politza stated
Low end (ANNUALLY) … 225,000 to 250,000
High end up to $500,000 (half a million ANNUALLY)

Roach then questioned these figures – teachers could take praxis ?
This went back and forth – and it would depend on teachers taking praxis and assuming all would do that (which we are still in negotiations about all of that or would need to) – even aside from that would need I believe at least 5 more for academics ( I didn’t catch them all but special ed, music, info-skills, gifted …) – Definitely it would cost more annually – the #s apparently depend on many different things …
At this point Sodrick interjected that “ I know the value of a middle school. However … it is costly” and went on to say that we may add a middle school wing and then what – find we cant staff it ?
Jest = It doesn’t make sense to do this if we are not in a financial position to then do it right. Wiest was questioned and said something about having an 8 period day now and of that teachers are teaching 7 periods ----
Politza “This requires planning – for educational programming – you can nickel and dime this to death but …”
Sample and Roach questioned some of the statements made –
Laudenslager surmised: Ok we can pay for the buildings through the grandfathering that was done … but operationally – can anyone tell me how we can afford it?



“If we are gonna spend money on the middle school, I just want to staff it appropriately.”


So lets go to the elementary discussions …
Laudenslager opened with –
We can save $250,000 annually by doing a k – 6 … then we could staff the middle school. This would save all three areas of education:
By doing one consolidated elementary school of k through five, which I think there have been good arguments as to the benefit of – that would be good for our elementary – this would then enable us to afford us operationally so that we can revert to the 6 through 8 grade concept and we would have our 9 -12 grade school so it saves all three – feel it is win-win-win.
Roach then questioned the logic of how the money is saved, to which Troy pointed out may be a good starting point for the next discussion when all board members are present …
Sample suggested maybe the answer is to build a central elementary school in the middle part of the district and put the middle school back at Trevorton to do away with needing to add on at the high school –
Architects had a few thoughts on that which are as follows –
a) we would have 30,000 LESS square feet with one elementary building vs. 3 – (just by what we would save on not needing triple spaces) -
b) we would have to run the #s on doing that at Trevorton -
c) Note that state is pushing to consolidate – combining with schools for space putting more students in one school is just more economical than operating three – for you to operate may not be able to afford separately anymore –

So – question came back when are we talking about it again and when are we deciding - Keim – would like it to be all one night
Sample – should be at a public meeting ….

Will be decided Date books needed checked of people not there I think ---
(once I find out you know I will email) …

Then it went to public comment
~ I encouraged board members to listen to what Troy had said because no matter how you feel about the middle school –high school vs. jr/sr high and no matter what you feel about renovate elementary schools vs. construction – we absolutely need to look what we can afford as a district. & I have said all along k-6 and 7-12 would mean two schools to operate leaving money for other educational things. Also that I was at those property committee meetings and it was an entire package- with elementary schools starting it so I do not think that should be pushed out in deciding at all …**** ~ Someone else spoke to concern about State bill and how that might affect the decision if it were passed to consolidate districts and what we can afford really needs to be looked at moving forward- and this district is in a financial – crisis so need to move forward financially smart – absolutely ---
~Someone else spoke to keeping elementary schools separate because of land developers coming in –
~ Someone else made the point about going to referendum ( in some of the scenarios of securing funding it would have to go to public vote and nobody feels that people would vote for taxes to go up --- ) – it would need to be put in terms we can understand ---- we would have to do away with sports and all extra curricular activities should we decide to keep renovating the schools …
~ Someone else encouraged the board to think about looking 20 years down the road – the previous board went away from the middle school concept, now this board wants to go back to it – what if the next one wants to change it – we keep going back and forth – what is going to happen ? Don’t just think for now, think for the future …
~ Someone else pointed out that moving forward …. Taxes are going to go up and we have to spend money – education is not free- we need to look at what is best and educationally sound for all students involved and move forward in that direction –

& I Think those are the highlights. I now have a headache.
In closing I just ask you to think about what is being said, what is going on and let the school board members and administrators know what you are thinking!!!
I have said all along big decisions are about to be made in this district …
PIVOTAL decisions that will not only affect your taxes but your children and grandchildren’s future educationally, financially.
Think about it, talk about it- there are no easy answers.
None the less, something soon is going to be decided. … .

Sincerely, Lauren Hackenburg
LHIR@comcast.net

*** Ignorance of the law is no excuse, nor is it in parenting! ***
*** I have sent this to you because you requested to be on my distribution list or I feel in some way the information enclosed may affect you in that you are a parent or tax payer of our school district or may be just interested in this--- The information enclosed is as I heard it only and meant to create discussion and spread awareness of the goings on. Please feel free to forward on to any one who may be interested and let me know if you wish to be removed from future emails or know of anyone who would like to be added.
*** Have a great day!

Town Meeting

Just to let you all know since this has been changed- town meetings to discuss rennovation are as follows:
November 6, 2006
7:00 PM

Town Meeting

Jr/Sr High School ***ONE WEEK FROM TODAY! ***
November 15, 2006
7:00 PM

Town Meeting

Leck Kill Elementary
November 20, 2006
7:00 PM

Town Meeting

Trevorton Elementary
I urge you all to attend one or the other. I have heard many of you state and at times felt myself that the "Board has their mind made up and will do what they want to do" - while there very well may be some truth to that, it may not be entirely true... if you dont speak your mind now--- how will you know if you could have made a difference or not? Also don't you want to know for election time if the people elected to serve your area are listening to you and representing you? This is some big stuff going on in our area! I urge you to think about what YOU think is best for kids educationally and what this district can afford and render your opinion!!!
Town meetings are the time to do it !
If you have kids or grandkids in school - this definately affects you!
& If you dont have kids in school or not, the decisions being made now will still affect you!

You also might want to datebook one or more of the following:
November 14, 2006
6:30 PM
Information Meeting
Leck Kill Elem. - Cafeteria
November 21, 2006
6:30 PM
Property Committee
Jr/Sr High - Library
November 28, 2006
6:30 PM
Regular Meeting - VOTING
Leck Kill Elem. - Cafeteria

See you!Lauren Hackenburg

K-4 is gone from Line Mountain

K-4 is gone from Line Mountain, (just pending completion of paperwork with the state to use the accountability grant funds for kindergarten). On a 5-2 Decision, though members say they saw the value in it, they passed a motion to get rid of the K-4 Program. (Roach moved to pass motion, 2nded by Sample) Voting to KEEP= Keim and Lagerman.Not there = Kauffman and Erdman.Voting to eliminate it was Blasius, Buddock, Roach*, Sample*, Laudenslager* ... (Note * = Term expires in 2007 ) Many members of the local public showed support to keep this program - and Diane Inch came at the request of the Dept of Education of the State and had a letter from Merle Phillips urging LM to keep this program * a social worker came to validate the fact that the preschool programs in the area are already filled for this year. Laudenslager apologized for the timing on this. However, Financial reasons were sited why they wanted to get rid of the K-4 Program.
YET - Then they voted to advertise for a secondary education teacher at the high school and hope to find someone who can also do alternative education or technology - or math - or teched - I'm really not sure ... This was a conversation that went in a few different directions as far as how to amend under Item B 4 - Professional Vacancies - and to be honest I asked but am not sure what the answer is - as to ... how many students are taking the class they are looking to hire for - - - I do believe it is unknown at this point how many and exactly where the teacher would be placed but it was decided to advertise for it. (So - it was decided to advertise to hire andteachers of k-4 program!!!! I dont know about you but I am very curious to see what positions are filled in the future months here !!! )-
In other topics: Lance Adams gave a presentation on what pay to play would cost - would generate an additional 14k of revenue if adapted. Also gave reports that last year from gate sales revenue of $26,677 was gained- if we increase the amounts at the door from 3 to $4 for Adults and $2 for all students ( not just 7 - 12) -then we could expect to gain an additional amount of revenue of $7k .... The board or administration is not advocating it at this point - just wanted to have it researched since it came up during budget talk (like the K-4 did).
Discussed moving Head Start to Elementary school - Failed 5 -2 (Voting to move it was Sample* and Buddock / Voting not to move it was Roach, Blasius, Keim, Lagerman, Laudenslager) - Then 7-0 approved to accept Head Start Contract.
Those were the highlights then they went into executive session.
Next meeting is Tuesday August 8th at 6:30 at the HS for the board / Committee meetings = Property Aug 15th at 6:30 at the hs * Policy August 2nd at hs at 6:30 * Fiscal Sept 5 at district office at 6:30 *Personnel July 31st at 6:30 at district office *
Have a nice day.
Lauren

Herndon Borough-Jackson Township Joint Municipal Authority

January- Mr. Michetti over saw the reorganization of the Authority. The President-Reynold Wolfe, Vice President/Treasurer-Dean Williard, Secretary Jackson Wetzel. Other members of the board that remain are Kurvin Badorf and Ivan Newman. The DEP Joint Permit for the wastewater project has been obtained by Larson Design Group. Sealed bids were opened before the January meeting. The project is moving along!